TDE’s Punch Gives LA History On “The Prelude” [LISTEN]

It’s no secret that TDE’s ability to wax poetics run deep, but when the label’s president can do the same, it only adds to the crew’s ammunition. Today, Punch continues his string of strong solo material with two new tracks — “The Prelude” and “1965.”

Both songs are politically charged, but dynamically different. The former is a vivid detail of life in Los Angeles, particularly Nickerson Gardens in the Watts section of the city. He makes mentions in political figures like J. Edgar Hoover, who played a major role in disbanding the Black Panther Movement. Punch rhymes the point of view of a first-hand witness, which makes his messaging all the more effective.

The second track is a compilation of audio clips from the Civil Rights Movement era. In light of the protesting taking place in Ferguson, Mo., we’d say Punch released these cuts right on time.